Friday 16/12/2022   Jervis Bay Road – Munyunga Waraga Dugan Walking Trail  – Murrays Beach –  (Murrays Trail) – (Old Murrays Track) – (Helipad Track) – Murrays Hill – Snapper Point – Devils Elbow – Governor Head – (Governor Head Track)

                                    Booderee National Park, NSW

                                    Yuin Country

                                     

Participants: Beth Davies, Lauren Davies, Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies, Sam Solt, Pablo Ureña Vega

This is an awesome short walk that has a striking amount of variety in its 6km. The almost tropical-looking Murrays Beach was our first stop. Here the usually turquoise water laps up onto the light-toned, fine-grained sandy beach which is fringed by lush green trees after three La Nina years. A narrow arc of sand on the shores of Jervis Bay where you can often see dolphins, whales or stingrays swimming nearby. We can thank Lauren and Sam for revisiting the area, as they hail from Scotland, are currently working in New Zealand, were in Australia for Pablo and Beth’s wedding and really wanted to spend some time in the area as Lauren had great memories of visits in years past.

Download file: 20221216.gpx                         Track Info

 

Naturally, we lingered at the beach for a while but declined the opportunity for a swim, as the air was a little cool and breezy following a snow-producing change from the south. We found a spot on the sand amongst the trees which provided good shelter from both the wind and sun. 

From the beach, we then walked south to commence an anticlockwise loop around Munyunga Waraga Dugan Walking Trail. The trail itself is broad and of very gentle grade, often with sandy sections, climbing only about 50m to its far point. A number of information and direction signs are scattered along the route. The first standout was a section containing several remarkable patterned scribbly gums. The forest still shows bushfire scars but there is solid regrowth occurring, especially in the form of grasses and low ferns. 

Towards the southern and south-eastern sections, the trees are replaced by more open heathland. After passing the bump called Murrays Hill you find yourself on the coast above the yellow-brown 60m high sandstone cliff line. Now, much further along you reach Devils Elbow which provides a great view of the cliff line and a large sea cave at its base. There were several patches of Flannel flowers (Actinotus helianthi, status; protected) near the cliff edge.

Continuing on to the north there are more cliff views before leaving the heath and returning to the forest. At the northeast corner of the track, you should divert to the lookout at Governor Head from which there is a good view of Bowen Island which is home to a colony of little penguins.

Heading back to the carpark there a neat views back down to Murrays Beach and the waters of Jervis Bay through the tallest trees along the walk.

Photos

Our 2018  Murrays Beach – Murrays Hill – Snapper Point Hike

 

NSW National Parks signage along this track also states

Booderee is a special Aboriginal place. It is owned by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community. We would like to welcome you here as guests and hope you enjoy your stay. Please we would ask that you take care of our land, waters and wildlife.

Munyunga Waraga Dhugan Walking Trail

The Munyunga Waraga Dhugan walking trail starts with a ramble through tall eucalypt forest of blackbutt, bloodwood and scribbly gums. As you approach Governors Head tea-tree scrub replaces the forest and sandstone cliffs tower up to 40m above the surging sea. The cliffs are very dangerous, with loose surfaces and crumbling rock ledges. It is important for your safety to stay on designated tracks and stable ground. As you head south along the cliff line, you will find that dense heath dominates the vegetation, providing habitat and protection for a suite of birds and reptiles. Keep an eye out for the rare and elusive eastern bristlebird along the heath trail.

Munyunga Waraga Dhugan walking trail (loop walk), 5.5km / 2.5hr

Murrays Beach

Murrays Beach is a great location to cool off and revitalise after completing the Munyunga Waraga Dhugan walking trail. Directly behind Murrays Beach a section of the Munyunga Waraga Dhugan walking trail will lead you to the Governors Head lookout.

Murrays Beach car park to Murrays Beach return, 600m / 10 min 

Murrays Beach car park to Governors Head return, 2.2km / 40 min 

Low tide walks

Explore the Murrays shore line at low tide to discover and observe some fascinating marine life. From Murrays car park, walk to the boat ramp and turn right toward Bowen Island over the rock platform to Murrays Beach. You can choose to return to the carpark via the forest trail. If you prefer a longer shoreline ramble, turn left at the boat ramp and you will head toward Hole in the Wall.

Murrays Beach car park to Hole in the Wall return, 2.2km / 1 hr 

Murrays boat ramp to Murrays Beach return, 1km / 30min

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